Other victims sought in N.S. sex-crime probe
In wake of arrest of Keegan Hamilton, 25, in Port Lorne, N.S., Digby RCMP investigators believe there are additional complainants in other jurisdictions, including New Brunswick
A Nova Scotia investigation into sex crimes against minors has turned up evidence of additional underage victims and witnesses outside that province, including New Brunswick, the RCMP says.
The Nova Scotia RCMP issued a news release Friday about an ongoing investigation into sexual offences targeting underage victims out of its Digby detachment, reporting that it pointed to offences in other jurisdictions as well.
“In March, investigators with Digby RCMP received a report of a device suspected to contain child pornography. The following investigation, led by Digby RCMP general investigative section, included the execution of multiple search warrants on phones and computers,” it said.
“Officers identified adult and youth victims and witnesses in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States.”
Keegan Hamilton, 25, of Port Lorne, N.S., located about 75 kilometres northeast of Digby, N.S., was charged with 19 offences as a result of those searches, the release said.
Among the counts he’s facing are sexual assault, distribution of child pornography, arrangement or agreement to commit a sex crime against a minor, bestiality and breach of probation.
Hamilton appeared in Digby provincial court Sept. 11, the RCMP said, and he was released on conditions. He’s set to return to court to answer to the charges Nov. 6.
The Nova Scotia RCMP said the investigation has led police to believe there are other possible complainants - both elsewhere in Canada and outside the country - who have yet to be identified or to come to the attention of authorities.
“Since March, investigators from the RCMP integrated child exploitation and human trafficking units and the RCMP interview assistance team in Nova Scotia have been engaged as well as victim services, Codiac RCMP further investigation team in New Brunswick, Prince George RCMP [in British Columbia] and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” the release said.
The Nova Scotia RCMP urged anyone who thinks they might have information relevant to the investigation, anyone who knows of other victims or victims themselves either to contact the Digby RCMP by calling 902-245-2579 or to reach out to other supports and resources in their communities.
Those wishing to provide tips anonymously can contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) toll-free, by submitting a secure tip online at crimestoppers.ns.ca or by using the P3 Tips app.
Tipsters can cite police file no. 2024-320608.
The release said the Mounties employ “a trauma-informed approach” when dealing with victims.
“Survivors of gender-based violence can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process,” it said.
“Survivor supports are available, including through the RCMP victim-services program.”
The release said among the conditions to which Hamilton is subject are prohibitions against possessing a smartphone or other internet-capable device, communicating with minors and being in the presence of anyone under the age of 16.
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